Richard Lavoie, national expert on children with learning disabilities, to speak April 20 in Portage

KALAMAZOO, MI -- Richard Lavoie, a nationally recognized expert on children with learning disabilities, is speaking in Portage on April 20.

Lavoie will talk about his 2008 book, "The Motivational Breakthrough: 6 Secrets to Turning On the Turned-Off Child."

It focuses on some of the common misconceptions related to student motivation and some of the common strategies that are ineffective, such as competition, reward systems and punishment.

Lavoie is known for his work with children who struggle
with learning differences, including his video "F.A.T.
City," which focuses on frustration, anger and tension in describing the day-to-day impact of
academic and social weaknesses.

A resident of Boston, Lavoie has three degrees in special education and serves as an administrator of residential programs for children with special needs for 30 years.